The carols and decorations, feasting and gift-giving can add to our joy and celebration of Christmas. However, for those who are hurting or grieving, these activities can underscore the pain. This is especially true for people who are facing their first Christmas without a loved one. Below are some suggestions for those who may need to express feelings of sadness or solitude during this season of Advent and Christmas.

• It is acceptable to let your real emotions surface. Have plenty of tissues on hand because tears may come at any time. Understand that heartaches may appear as you unpack decorations or prepare for this time. Also allow yourself to take joy in the good memories that come.

Be with people who can support you by not expecting you to put on a happy face.

• Recall old traditions and create new ones. Decorate the tree, place a wreath on the grave, or do any other tradition that feels right for you and your family.

• Take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, avoiding excess alcohol because it can depress moods and adversely affect the grieving process. Soak up natural light – open the blinds or go outdoors. Find enjoyable ways to get daily activity. Be gentle with yourself and avoid over-extending yourself.

·Get yourself a big teddy bear to hug and talk to.

• Contact a Minister, thoughtful friend or seek professional help if your sadness is more than you can bear.

During the season of Pentecost we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit with the sound of wind and the appearance of fire on the Day of Pentecost, 10 days after the ascension of Jesus. Pentecost is often referred to as the church’s birthday. Since that day those who believed in Jesus receive the Spirit of God, not just a few chosen leaders.

Red is the colour for Pentecost, the colour of fire.

During Pentecost we remember that God chose to send the Holy Spirit to empower the people of God to continue the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, as well as to sustain our relationship with God. There are many words used to try to describe the Holy Spirit – such as advocate, seal, helper, comforter, guide, one who convicts of sin, guarantee. The fruit or evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control, and faith.

The Holy Spirit is the way God is with us; so if God is with us and let loose to rule in our lives, then our lives will reveal the character of God.

‘When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them… (Acts 2: 1-4)

We hope the following FAQ answers any questions you might have about us. If not, please give us a call.

Q: What time is your worship service?A: We have one service per week - Sunday at 10:30am.

Q: What time is Sunday School?A: The Sunday School program runs at the same time as the service. The children join the congregation for a story and songs at the beginning of the service then move to the Sunday School after 10-12 minutes.